Game machine system, broadcasting system, data distribution system and method, program executing apparatus and method

Abstract

This game machine system includes a set top box 51 as a receiving unit for receiving digital data distributed using a broadcast system or a communication system. In a game dedicated device 52, starting of a game software item is inhibited until a software start enable signal is received by the receiving unit. Next to the software start enable signal, data for substitution or insertion for data of part of the game software is sent. This data can be commercial ads. The game dedicated machine 52 can judge whether or not the commercial ads have been introduced into and are in operation in the game software and, if the commercial ads are not in the game software, the game dedicated machine 52 can be made so as to be out of operation.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A communication system for receiving digital data from, and transmitting digital data to, a receiving system having game software, comprising a transmitting unit for transmitting software start signals comprising time information and data for substitution or insertion into said game software, such that when an identification signal is received by the communication system from the receiving system, the software start signal along with the data for substitution or insertion are transmitted to the receiving system, whereby the data for substitution or insertion represent a number of commercial advertisements. 
     
     
       2. The communication system according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit comprises a modem. 
     
     
       3. The communication system according to  claim 1 , whereby the software start signal is randomly varied.